Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effects of Chatbot fertility guidance in breast cancer patients of childbearing age undergoing chemotherapy, in order to meet the fertility information needs of breast cancer patients. Methods: A fertility guidance platform was developed using internet technology to support patients throughout their treatment. Breast cancer patients of childbearing age undergoing chemotherapy from a tertiary grade A hospital in Hunan province from December 2023 to May 2024 were selected by convenience sampling method assigned to the control group (n=46), while patients selected from June to November 2024 were assigned to the intervention group (n=46). The control group received conventional health education and fertility guidance. In the intervention group, according to the plan constructed by the research group in the early stage, before the first chemotherapy, before discharge and at home, the intervention group carried out centralized fertility guidance intervention by means of Chatbot, such as initiating dialogue, pushing fertility-related knowledge and answering consultation questions automatically. Patients' fertility concerns, fertility willingness, fertility information support level and quality of life were evaluated. Results: The score of fertility concerns in the intervention group 45.00(42.50, 49.50) before discharge was lower than that in the control group 62.50(54.50, 67.00), and the score in the intervention group 35.00(34.00, 38.00) at home was still lower than that in the control group 58.00(51.00, 70.25), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Fertility willingness, fertility information support level and quality of life in the intervention group before discharge and at home were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Implementing Chatbot fertility guidance can reduce fertility concerns, enhance reproductive intentions and fertility information support, and positively impact the quality of life in breast cancer patients of childbearing age undergoing chemotherapy.

Key words: Chatbot; childbearing age; breast cancer; fertility guidance